Mr Kent Durr was the first man in public life in South Africa to make environmental issues central to his career. This followed upon his work in urban and nature conservation as a private citizen. Over the years he was involved in marine conservation, the proclamation of marine, intertidal and wetland reserves, the conservation of cachments and mountain reserves, the preservation of sensitive agricultural land and the proclamation and preservation of urban architecture and land-mark buildings.
He served on environmental commissions and was involved in legislation on toxic waste handling and disposal, the control of CFC’s and the introduction of an environmental friendly mark on commercial products.
As President of the South African Council for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB), he was involved in the saving of the Cape Jackass Penguin from extinction and for building a new rescue station at Milnerton for sea birds.
He has suggested and worked with many organisations over the whole sweep of environmental affairs in South Africa and the region and the South Atlantic.
SOME CONSERVATION/ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS WITH WHICH KENT DURR HAS BEEN INVOLVED SINCE 1969
- The renovation and urban renewal of cottages in Palmboom Road, Newlands, Cape (L966 l-970). This pioneering role led to large scale urban renewal of the suburb and beyond.
- The protection of the Constantia Valley (1974-1984) for agriculture, to stop the valley being developed for dense housing. He sold the then derelict property Nova Constantia to Mr Hawkins of Tupperware for renovation and use as a Head Office and persuaded the Divisional Council to allow the non-conforming use. This stopped this historic home from being demolished and helped stabilize agriculture in that part of the valley.
- He stopped cluster development on the surrounding land at Nova Constantia and had the land integrated into the Groot Constantia Estate and planted with vines. This encouraged other owners, and large scale agricultural development took place with the building of new wine cellars.
- He helped to stop the development of Hope of Constantia for cluster development and had the land integrated into the Groot Constantia Estate and planted with vines.
- He did the negotiations with Dr Alfred McCarthy to have the farm Coleyn integrated into the Groot Constantia Estate.
- He helped to stop development of Sandy Bay. This unique unspoilt beach was to be despoiled by development. Unique coastal flora protected.
- He led the action that eventually led to the preservation and proclamation of Langebaan Lagoon as a Nature Reserve. This is now a large National Park, including a wetland reserve for wader birds.
- He worked to have more land set aside for National Parks over the years all over South Africa.
- He worked for the proclamation of Marine Reserves, Island Reserves and Mountain Reserves. Several were proclaimed
including sea and beach areas. 
He worked to protect coastal, intertidal and wetland areas. Past Chairman of South African National Council for the protection of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB). Had Rietvlei, Milnerton proclairned a nature area in terms of the Physical Planning Act. This is now a stable wetland reserve.- He worked for the rationalization of the authorities on Table Mountain and for the reduction of double jurisdiction and multiple control of beach, intertidal and coastal areas.
- He worked for the preservation of many important buildings and precincts, including –
- The West Facade – Pretoria ( 1989 )
- Tudor Chambers, Church Square Pretoria (1989)
- Roeland Street Prison – Cape Town (1978)
- Bien Donne Franschhoek ( 1989 )
- Mr Durr also takes a constant interest in legislation affecting the environment and was a member of the Commission for the Environment in 1981.
- He has been involved with countless environmental actions affecting the built environment, the natural environment, pollution, legislation, etc.